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The Classic Khaki: From Soil to Style

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Evolving from a fashion trend to a timeless basic


Khaki means earth colour. The word khaki comes from Persian ‘khak’, which means soil, and entered the English language through the British Indian Army.

Specifically, the colour khaki was named for the first time in 1848 after the British Army introduced it as a military uniform. Afterwards, it has been widely used for military garments because it provided soldiers some camouflage in war zones.

The colour palette
It is not a single colour: light khaki – khaki – dark khaki – khaki green. So, the modern palette goes from a mix of tan with a bit of yellow to brown blended with green to olive green. And all the variations tend to have a sandy effect.

Khaki – from a trend to a classic


Over time, fashion brought it from military to civilian clothes, where it is mainly considered a smart-casual tone. But, what was a recurring trend became a classic in clothing. Indeed we can affirm it’s a wardrobe staple for us, which we like to propose in various items but in a refined manner.

This colour became a classic because it is usually associated with comfortable silhouettes. But, most of all, it provides certain ease in matching other colours and pieces of clothing. It means that a single garment can offer multiple styling possibilities–from elegant to casual, you don’t even need many pieces. It perfectly completes your capsule wardrobe.

Take this ZUCCa wide-leg pants with front pleating. The waistline along the back is elasticated in order to give extra comfort and a better fit.

khaki pants


You can pair these khaki pants with kitten heels and a black blazer for a formal office outfit. Or, you can pull out a leisure time outfit with a denim blouson and sneakers. We love them with a white shirt and flat sandals!

Whether styled casually or elegantly, the classic khaki remains a cool, versatile, and timeless wardrobe essential. It’s a style choice #formodernhumans

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Gendered Labels

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A viewpoint on fashion and gender among young people


What makes someone more likely to ignore gendered labels on clothing?
As an American man living in Italy, I have been told by more shop owners than ever to stop looking in the women’s section for clothing. It has never been mean-spirited. But every person has been very insistent—the men’s section is there, this is the women’s section. I do wear more male presenting clothing and have masculine physical attributes. But I still like to look at every article because I can see myself wearing anything.

fashion and gender


The survey on gender and fashion

After surveying a good number of people my age (early 20s), all of which fashion-forward in their own ways, I was surprised to find the large discrepancies in how they would gender their wardrobe.

Individuals either said only 10-20% of their wardrobe could be worn by any gender. Or they said that 70% or more could be – no one in between these extremes. The two separate groups have nothing strikingly in common, given nationality, gender, sexuality, race, fashion style, or social progressivism. It did not even come down to what kind of brands or styles they shop. When asked what stores or designers make genderless clothing, both groups included a wide array of answers like Rick Owens, UNIQLO, and H&M.

So, the overall question remains. But by asking them how much of their closet could be worn by any gender, I could see if they believed anything is gender-neutral. Despite what items they might actually own.
For now, it still boils down to one’s personal taste and view in clothing. Something hard to qualify or analyze.

genderless style


For me, I would say 100% of my clothes are gender-neutral. Not due to how I dress but due to how I perceive clothing in general. Fashion is about the freedom of self-expression, despite whatever confines placed upon it.

I hope that whatever the reason is that we stay on one side of the department store aisle or the other can be addressed and removed. For the freedom of fashion to prevail.

✍️ This piece is written by an American student and intern working for suite123, Jackson Garske.

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The Pleated Dress by ZUCCa

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Exclusive curation: contemporary elegance from Japan


Today we introduce a piece of contemporary elegance: The Pleated Dress – by Zucca.

Innovative and evolving style, paired with functionality and versatility, mixes well in this beautiful dress. A piece to wear for the Christmas festivities. But you’ll always find an occasion to put it on afterwards. Undoubtedly, it will be one of the classics in your capsule wardrobe.

Discover The Pleated Dress


The design point
The silhouette is simple, boxy and stylish. V neckline along front and back. Sleeveless with dropped shoulders. Two side slip pockets, under-knee length. Relaxed fit, a side slit makes the movement comfortable.

Three different fabrics with distinct textures are sewn together and then pleated. Indeed the design plays with juxtaposition in a refined and modern manner. Moreover, the hand of the fabric is soft and glossy.

The Pleated dress by Zucca



About the texture
The difference in texture is created by stitching three types of fabrics, such as velour, satin and crepe. And after, pleating them.
This particular technique makes the dress really special.

About the colour
Dark brown tending to bronze. It is a warm hue with a slightly shiny effect which gives a natural glow to your outfits.

The pleated dress by Zucca
The Pleated Dress – by ZUCCa


Coordination ideas
Although it is a unique dress, both colour and shape are basic. So you can use it as a one-piece. When the weather is cold, we suggest wearing a long-sleeved basic top underneath, also tights or leggings. Instead, for a party or a dinner at the restaurant, you can combine it with a jacket or long cardigan to create an elegant style.

Advice and care
This item is pleated by heat and pressure. The pleating could gradually disappear by repeating wearing and washing. Please acknowledge it beforehand. Also, when wearing and storing, do not apply pressure for a long time.

Easy-care material. You can wash it by hand at home.

The Pleated Dress is a statement piece. It reminds us that good design is made to last.
And you can enjoy it in your everyday life.

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The Lambswool Sweater by ZUCCa

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Sophisticated wool sweaters #formodernhumans


Introducing The Lambswool Sweater by ZUCCa, Japan.

November, temperatures are cooling down, and it’s time to introduce our new arrivals. A limited number of pieces selected with specific attention to quality and design, aiming to build a capsule wardrobe of timeless clothing. Indeed, that is the essence of a sustainable style.

Wool sweaters, with their masculine image and warm feel, represent a fascinating clothing item. The timeless identity is intrinsic and well represented by a good design choice.

We picked out this sweater from Zucca – we appreciate the meticulous sense of design that identifies Japanese designers. There are many details, but they’re always mixed with a perfect balance and unique proportions.

This pull is both classic and modern at the same time. In fact, this winter sweater is a modern revisitation of a classic piece. Above all, you will never get tired of wearing it.

Discover The Lambswool Sweater

The Lambswool Sweater by Zucca
The Lambswool Sweater – ZUCCa


The material is soft lambswool; made in Japan.
The colour: a blueish green. A unique hue to enhance your wardrobe.

The design point: sophisticated but easy to wear.
It is oversized and has a voluminous feel, but its short length makes it look neat. Also, it features a ribbed round neckline, cuffs and hemline, and ribbed details along the sleeves too. Moreover, two crossing ribs point to the front and back of the garment.
The hemline is asymmetric, meaning that the front side is shorter than the back. Two side slits give extra comfort to the movement of your body.

You will easily coordinate this item with the garments you already have. This sweater, which is a modern arrangement of the basic shape, goes well with any bottom. From elegant outfits to casual styles, you’ll make multiple combinations. Try it over a dress too, or pair it with jeans for a cool everyday style.

Think twice before you buy. More is not the answer, nor is disposable fashion.
Quality over quantity is the way, a value we embrace and want to share with you.

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The Oversized Blouson by ZUCCa

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Garments that make a difference #formodernhumans


Introducing The Oversized Blouson by ZUCCa, Japan.

Unpacking new arrivals is always a happy moment. Indeed, we are taking this chance to introduce you to our Fall/Winter 21 pieces as soon as they come in.

As fashion news reports these days, fast fashion is booming, back to the pre-pandemic levels. Like nothing happened.
Overproduction and overconsumption are still ruling. Why question it!

However, we moved in the opposite direction, our worldview is different, and we believe in a more conscious way to live and work. ‘Consume less’ is the imperative, a lifestyle approach from now on. With these words written on a post-it in front of us, we curated our selection for the coming season. And for the following ones too. We only select clothing that makes a difference.

Discover The Oversized Blouson

For the Fall/Winter season, we picked out a beautiful oversized blouson. It’s from ZUCCA– a Japanese brand known to a fashion-conscious audience for its unique cuts and design.

Mustard yellow oversized blouson • By Zucca
The Oversized Blouson

The material is sweatshirt in 100% cotton. Therefore you may expect a sporty garment, yet it is not. The hand of the fabric is shiny and stiff, providing a unique texture to the jacket. While when we select a sweatshirt, it is never too casual, surely we do not renounce elegance.

Asymmetric side buttoned, it has a wide collar and a loose silhouette.
The line is stylish and comfortable. All the stitching details along the inside are made with special care, so it will look neat even when worn unbuttoned.

The colour? Mustard yellow. This season we need some bright hues to boost a sense of joy. You can match it with soft tones for an understated outfit or with bright colours to stand out. The final result is up to you, your personality or your mood.

Last but not least, it’s an easy-care product, so you can wash it by hand.

We’re happy to offer style advice or engage in any discussion about fashion and lifestyle.

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